RAMADHAN

What is Ramadhan?

Falling in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadhan does not fall on a fixed time every year. This is because it follows the lunar calendar, which is around 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used everywhere else. For the 1 billion plus Muslims throughout the world, Ramadhan is a time of prayer, fasting and charity (zakat).

While around the world, major religious festivals have become increasingly commercialized, Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa (Eid) retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).

The month of Ramadhan is particularly special for it is believed that during this time, the Holy Quran was revealed to a trader called Muhammad (who later became Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h), the Quran states that it "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation."

On one particular night during that month, the angel Gabriel told Muhammad that he had been chosen to receive the word of God. Over a period of a month, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses of the holy Quran as they were revealed to him.

So during the month of Ramadhan, Muslims throughout the world recite one-thirtieth of the Quran each night during special prayers called Tarawih. Continued throughout the month, the entire book will been completed during the fasting month.

Not only are the words of God spoken during Ramadhan, as one of the holiest months during the Islamic calendar, it is where Muslims observe one month of fasting, with fasts beginning from sunrise to sunset.

As a month of abstinence, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking and sexual relations and will refrain from lying, gossiping, and backstabbing during this period leading to a degree of self-control and a closer observance to Allah.

Fasting is considered one of the ‘five pillars’ of Islam (which also includes the declaration of faith, prayers five times a day, zakat, fasting and finally, the pilgrimage to Mecca). All Muslims from puberty onwards are expected to fast, except those menstruating, the insane, and the young. The elderly and those very ill are also exempt, but are expected to feed one poor person for every day that they themselves cannot fast. Pregnant women and also those traveling also need not fast.

Many Islamic restaurants are often closed during the day, opening before sunset catering to those who break their fast later. Traders often do roaring business during this time as people flock to buy food.Breaking of fasts are often ended with dates and sweet drinks before the main meal.

Muslims also wake during the night for subuh, for a meal before the sun rises and their fasts begins.

Fasting itself serves many purposes. It reminds Muslims of the suffering of the poor and helps them involve themselves more in Islam. It promotes self-control and helps cleanse the body and soul and brings all Muslims closer to their faith.